World Cup kick-off

So, the 2014 World Cup has kicked off. The Church of England published my five prayers yesterday and the response has been mixed. Anyone with half a sense of humour is OK with them.

I actually wrote them four years ago for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Only two were written before the tournament began, and the shortest one was written part-way through the competition when England were sliding out. Context is everything.

But, why write new ones when the last lot still have life (despite miserable pedants). After all, prayer is about expressing our real feelings and desires to God, not about having to justify them ethically first.

Here they are:

Prayer 1 : A Prayer for the World Cup

Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity and a growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen.

Prayer 2 : A Prayer for Brazil

God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on Brazil in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition and on those who travel to join in the party. Amen.

Prayer 3 : A prayer for those simply not interested

Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience and grant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen.

Prayer 4 : Prayers for the England Football team

Oh God…

Prayer 5

God, who played the cosmos into being, please help England rediscover their legs, their eyes and their hunger: that they might run more clearly, pass more nearly and enjoy the game more dearly. Amen.

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7 Responses to “World Cup kick-off”

I hear the Pope has put in a word for Argentina with Italy as his second favourite. Lot of competition for his divine favour on this one. I didn’t think much of the last time he lent a hand on behalf of the Argentinians.

To put me in context – I am an English woman, nearer 80 than 70, living in Rome – I am enjoying the World Cup prayers immensely -thank you! Everything happens at once- Italy – England match begins at midnight here and tomorrow we have the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding and preaching at (the Anglican) church in Rome…if Italy win it will be a noisy night!

Dear Bishop, Having linked to these prayers on our church facebook page, it has been drawn to my attention that, although your introduction on the CofE website mentions Iraq, Nigeria and Sudan, you make no reference to the tragedy of Brazil’s street children in your prayers.
Channel 4 recently reported on the problems of poverty, drug addiction and sexual exploitation among Brazil’s street children, and Save the Children are also featuring the issue of Street Children in connection with the World Cup.
Would it be possible for you to write an additional prayer covering this aspect?

Thanks for prayers. Into the noticesheet for next Sunday!
I didn’t stay up till midnight here in Italy to watch England get beaten, but in my hot slightly sleepless stupor from the weather here, I heard loud cheering twice—so I knew that Italy had won. Didn’t realise until later in the day that England had also scored a goal. Oh well….keep trying.